The writings of George Washington; being his correspondence, addresses, messages, and other papers, official and private, selected and published from the original manuscripts; with a life of the author, notes and illustrations. By Jared Sparks.

PARTII.] THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 233
have reason to expect that they intend making another
grand forage into this country; it is of the utmbst conquence, that the horses, cattle, sheep, and provender,
within fifteen miles west from the river Delaware, between the Schuylkill and the Brandywine, be immediately removed to prevent the enemy from receiving
any benefit therefrom, as well as to supply the present
exigencies of the American army.
I do therefore authorize, empower, and command you
forthwith to take, carry off, and secure, all such horses
as are suitable for cavalry or for draft, and all cattle
and sheep fit for slaughter, together with every kind of
forage, for the use of this army, that may be found in
the possession of any of the inhabitants within the aforesaid limits, causing certificates to be given to each person for the number, value, and quantity of the horses,
sheep, cattle, and provender so taken. Notice will be
given to the holders of such certificates by the commissary and quartermaster-general when and where they
may apply for payment, that they may not be disappointed in calling for their money.
All officers, civil and military, commissioners, and
quartermasters, are hereby ordered to obey, aid, and
assist you in this necessary business. All the provender on the islands between Philadelphia and Chester,
which may be difficult of access, or too hazardous to
attempt carrying off, you will immediately cause to be
destroyed, giving directions to the officer or officers to
whom this duty is assigned, to take an account of the
quantity, together with the owners' names, as far as the
nature of the service will admit. I am, Sir, &,c.*
After executing these orders, Wayne passed over for a similar purpose into Jersey, where he was joined by Pulaski with a party of horse.
Pulaski was stationed for the winter at Trenton. The British followed
Wayne into Jersey, crossing the river in two divisions, one landing at
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